US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would eventually agree to a natural resources deal with the United States, despite their earlier strained meeting in the White House on February 28.
In an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Trump accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful and taking advantage of the Biden administration’s military aid, saying the Ukrainian president “took money out of this country like candy from a baby.” Trump restated that the proposed minerals agreement represents a crucial economic commitment to Ukraine’s security, which he had pushed during his presidency.
Trump indicated that, despite the breakdown in talks, he believed Zelenskyy would ultimately come around, stating, “I think it’ll happen.”
The initial deal was stymied during a tense exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy in February, which also interrupted Trump’s diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Following intense pressure from the US for Ukraine to stop fighting, talks resumed this week between Ukrainian and US officials in Saudi Arabia.
When asked about Ukraine’s survival as an independent country, Trump acknowledged the uncertainty, saying that Ukraine “may not survive anyway.” However, he reiterated his stance that the conflict with Russia is complicated, adding, “It takes two.”
Since their meeting, Trump had suspended military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine in an effort to force Zelenskyy into agreeing to a truce, which would allow for peace negotiations to end the Russian invasion.
Zelenskyy has shown some willingness to consider a ceasefire, stating on Thursday that he would be open to halting hostilities if Russia agreed to cease airstrikes and naval operations.
